TheEast
Pirates Football Transfer Portal Update Carolinian
Since the addition of the transfer portal in 2018, the new year often means change in college football. East Carolina was busy in this year’s winter transfer window (Dec. 9. - Dec. 28.) adding 15 new players. In the so-called business of college football, additions also come with departures. The Pirates had 20 players exit the program this December.
East Carolina lost seven members of their secondary (defensive backs) to the transfer portal, including key members of the 2024 team, junior CB Dontavious Nash, junior CB Andrew Wilson-Lamp, sophomore CB Isaiah Brown-Murray, and junior S Gavin Gibson. While also losing star senior CB Shavon Revel to the NFL draft, the secondary has been a focus in the portal for the Pirates who signed four new defensive backs.
One of which is FCS (football championship subdivision)
All American Jordy Lowery. Lowery is a sophomore who played last season at Western Carolina University, where he recorded six interceptions, 48 tackles and 14 pass break ups. It is expected that he will step onto campus and into an impactful role for the Pirate defense in 2025.
The Pirates also lost 2024 standouts sophomore WR Chase Sowell and sophomore Linebacker Zakey Barker. Sowell finished the year second in receiving yards (678) and third in receiving touchdowns (3). Sowell was ranked as the 17th wide receiver in the transfer portal this winter by 247 Sports before committing to Iowa State University. Barker, a leader on the Pirate defense in 2024, finished the year with the second most tackles on the team (84), while also recording two sacks and a forced fumble. Barker was the 45th ranked linebacker in the portal before committing to Southern Methodist University. There is no doubt that these two will be missed by Pirate Nation in 2025.
White House announces withdrawal from WHO
On January 20th, during his first hours of presidency, Donald Trump signed one of many executive orders into law stating the United States officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The White House announced that the reason for the withdrawal stemmed from the WHO’s handling of global health crises, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China. WHO’s inability to implement urgent reforms and maintain independence from “inappropriate” political influence of WHO member states was also cited as a cause for this change.
The White House also said the United States supplies a disproportionate financial contribution to WHO. China, with a population of around 1.4 billion people (over three times the population of the United States)
contributes nearly 90% less to the WHO's budget.The White House noted this disparity, expressing that it placed an unfair financial burden on American taxpayers.
The administration rescinded the January 20, 2021, letter that had retracted the 2020 notice of withdrawal. The executive order issued in 2021 to strengthen U.S. leadership on global health was also revoked.
The U.S. has stopped participating in the WHO Pandemic Agreement and changes to International Health Regulations. These agreements will no longer apply to the United States. According to the White House, U.S. government funding and resources for the WHO will be paused. Efforts will focus on identifying alternative domestic and international partners to help with critical health activities that were previously managed by the WHO.
ECU also made some changes to the coaching staff since the end of the 2024 campaign. The Pirates hired defensive coordinator Josh Alrdridge, former linebackers coach at Auburn University, strength and conditioning coach Mike Sirigano from University of Louisville, and general manager Noah Joseph who was previously the GM for Purdue University Football. Listed below are the additions and departures for ECU football following the 2024 season. The Pirates will attempt to retool an ever changing roster in pursuit of greater success than they had in the 2024 season. ECU will kick off the 2025 season on the road against North Carolina State University (0-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) Aug. 30. The game will take place at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
Triple murder involving a former ECU Professor
Husband and wife, 80-year-old Anthony Gribble and 76-year-old Paula Gribble, and former ECU professor in the Biology Department, Enrique Reyes, died of gunshot wounds at their respective residences.
According to the Pitt County Sheriff's Office press release, suspect 55-year-old David Lever has been arrested on 3 open counts of murder in connection with the deaths of the three victims. Lever is currently being held in Pitt County Detention Center under no bond. Additional charges are pending.
According to a press conference on January 13, Sheriff Paula Dance said, "There is no known relationship between Enrique Reyes and David Lever." Dance would further state that a connection between the victims is currently unknown.
During the press conference, Dance would give a timeline of the events of the murders.
At 1:20 p.m., the victim, Enrique Reyes, was at the Food Lion on St. Petersburg Road. He was believed to return to his residence at 1458 Forrest Acres Dr. Shortly after, David Lever would be captured by neighborhood camera systems coming and going from his residence located at 1521 Horse Acres Drive.
At 1:28 p.m., Lever left his residence driving a light-colored Sprinter van, which he is believed to be the owner of. Neighborhood Cameras would capture Lever arriving at the Speedway Located at 3579 NC 43 and putting fuel into his vehicle.
At 1:43 p.m., Lever would leave the Speedway in his vehicle and begin firing shots as he left the gas station. At 1:45 p.m., the Pitt County Sheriff's office received a call from a concerned resident reporting that they had seen shots fired from a van at the Speedway.
Lever then approached a home on Peace
Ridge Court in an attempt to make contact with the resident. However, by the time the resident answered the door, Lever was already leaving the residence in his van. Sheriff Dance stated, "The residence looked at the suspect but did not recognize him." “No contact was made with the residence.”
At 2:17 p.m., Pitt County Sheriff's Office received a call from Anthony and Paula Gribbles' son about the Murder by David Lever. When police arrived, the son of the victims was holding Lever at gunpoint. Lever would then be taken into custody by the officers. At 3:35 p.m., EMS would be dispatched to 1458 Forest Acres Dr. after a passerby noticed a male lying in the driveway who was found to be deceased. Enrique Reyes was found dead lying in his driveway from multiple gunshot wounds. We reached out to people close to Enrique Reyes but received no further comment.
President Donald Trump holds up one of many new
executive orders since inaguration.
Caleb Johnson FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Trisha Rangaraju
TEC STAFF
Dakota Hamm FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF PITT COUNTRY
SHERRIF'S DEPARTMENT
David Lever responsible for death of 3 victims
GRAPHIC BY JAMIE ANTINORE
Nursing Faculty graduate with students as DNPs
Three faculty members from East Carolina University’s College of Nursing recently switched up roles from educators to students.
Dr. Kimberly Kimberly Cherry, Dr. Jolene Spencer, Dr. Tristin Carpenter all earned their doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees in the Fall of 2024. Each doctor teaches in ECU’s online RN to BSN program, and pursued their doctorates to help in their teaching and patient care.
Balancing teaching, learning, and family life was a challenge for them, but the three of them found support in each other and the ECU community. They all partnered on a DNP project that focused on improving online learning experiences for nursing students through ECU’s Virtual Clinic. As they embrace their new titles, all three expressed excitement about their achievement and the opportunity to continue shaping the next generation of nurses.
Parker Byrd inspires many challenged athletes BRIEFS
Students break through stereotypes in Inside-Out class
East Carolina University students and incarcerated men at Greene Correctional Institution participated in Inside-Out, which is a course in the UNC System that is centered around discussions on the criminal justice system and their personal experiences.The course, led by Dr. Michelle Malkin, brought 15 ECU students and 15 incarcerated students together weekly for discussions, projects, and lessons on rehabilitation and systemic issues.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Parker Byrd, an East Carolina University baseball player, faced a life-altering accident in the late summer of 2022 which resulted in him losing his leg above the knee. However, that has not stopped his journey as an athlete. Parker Byrd was still determined to play baseball at ECU despite his “setback”. His resilience inspires many young athletes around the world.
A young athlete, Jameson Reeder Jr., lost his leg to a shark attack around the same time. Jameson looked to Byrd as a role model and had the chance to meet him through the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). The Challenged Athletes Foundation was created to provide opportunities and support to individuals with physical disabilities so they can continue to feel empowered through physical fitness and competitive athletics.
Since Byrd’s story was showcased on ESPN Sports Center and World News Tonight last February, many parents have reached out to him to share their own children’s amputee stories. Byrd has met many of these families at
East Carolina University baseball games and connected with most of them through CAF. One memorable connection was with the Reeder family.
Jameson Sr. had friends reach out to him about another fellow baseball player who was also an amputee. “And that led to Parker introducing the Reeder family to myself and CAF, and that led to the appearance of the two of them together on the MLB Network,” Bob Babbitt, co-founder of CAF, said. “Watching the two of those boys interact at the MLB Network was truly special.”
Both boys related to losing their leg below the knee in the summer of 2022, which created a lifetime bond. Jameson Jr. was later invited to attend the San Diego Triathlon Challenge weekend in early November 2024. Jameson participated in adaptive surfing, an OSSUR running clinic, and the kids' run, where he met a ton of other young athletes who were also
dealing with challenges.
“Our CAF kids understand that CAF is here to help and support them and they seem to understand that their job is to help and support that next generation of challenged athletes which is exactly what Parker is doing with Jameson Junior and his family,” Bob Babbitt added.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation has been around for 32 years, during this time, have managed to raise $180 million, and sent out over 48,000 grants to challenged athletes in all 50 states and 73 countries. The grants awarded have helped cover the costs for equipment, training, coaching, and travel for 105 different sports.
To help contribute or get involved, go to www.challengedathletes.org/.The website includes information about donations, upcoming events, clinics offered, and volunteer opportunities, offering many ways to support CAF's mission for challenged athletes like Parker and Jameson.
Professor awarded for efforts with Dog Walking Class
Professor Melanie Sartore-Baldwin won a Treasured Pirate award and the Chancellor of East Carolina University presented it to her at the Murphy center to highlight her continuous efforts to give back to the community through her dog walking class.
Dr. Baldwin has taught at East Carolina University for 17 years, and her proudest accomplishment has been teaching her dog walking class for 12 years now despite challenges thrown her way. “The proudest thing is it's gone on as long as it has and I can continue to do it, and love it, and make my husband proud,” she said.
An unexpected tragedy for Dr. Baldwin was her husband passing away in 2020 due to a motorcycle accident. She said she continued to be involved with the shelter, because it became a way to feel close to him. “Walking the dogs is something that has been therapeutic,” said Dr. Baldwin. “I continue to do it as my passion, but I also continue to do it to make him proud.”
Dr. Baldwin said she was unaware she was even nominated for the award until she received the email that she had won. On the weekends she helps run the volunteer group at Pitt County shelter, and one of the volunteers, who works for ECU, nominated her for a treasured pirate award in secret.
Dr. Baldwin said the award is given to people who go above and beyond to give back
to the community. ECU's mission focuses on giving back to the community, and Dr. Baldwin's
Giuliana Barberio FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Bob Babbitt
COURTESY
Professor Melanie Sartore-Baldwin giving back to the community through her dog walking class.
Alexa Anderson TEC STAFF
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
Parker Byrd, an ECU baseball player, stands on the plate after facing a life-altering accident in the late summer of 2022 resulting in him losing his leg.
Elon Musk Gestures at Trump’s inauguration
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that Elon Musk sparked controversy at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration when he made two gestures resembling fascist-style salutes, leading critics to accuse him of performing a Nazi salute.
The gesture resembling a Nazi salute, often associated with Adolf Hitler during World War II, is strictly prohibited in Germany. It makes sense that people across Europe had angry reactions who view this as not only as an insult but also a threat.
Making a gesture resembling a Nazi salute demonstrates a significant lack of self-awareness, given its has such an offensive connotation. An action like this completely disregards the pain and suffering associated with the symbol.
Whether Musk actually attempted to replicate the Nazi salute is neither confirmed nor denied, however, this simple action can bring about so much associated negative emotion. One should not be able to perform such a disrespectful action in the fore-front of the entire world.
Musk has defended himself against all claims and against the millions of people that saw the action unfold with their own eyes (twice). We think if Musk was simply gesturing to express his excitement, a simple hand clap would suffice in the future.
PIRATE RANTS
On Saturday night, every TikTok user who opened the app saw the message, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.”
The app was also missing from the app store.
U.S. officials have warned us that TikTok could threaten national security, saying the Chinese government might use it to spy on Americans or influence public opinion by controlling what content people see. If China had access to our data, they could easily censor or promote certain content that impacts people’s perceptions of various important decisions, policies, or laws.
Among other things, Tiktok knows what device you are using, your whereabouts, purchase information, patterns of keystrokes, and your IP address, and can even read your messages. Statistical, demographic, and contact information are also out on the table for them. If the Chinese government gets access to this
information, it could be a dangerous situation.
Although all of these negative situations are definitely possible considering what is currently understood about China’s laws, these are all theoretical. There is no solid evidence behind China actually utilizing Tiktok data for these purposes.
Still, even without the risk of the Chinese government overtaking American privacy, TikTok is a hub for spreading falsified information and creating division in society. Misinformation on topics such as health and politics can play a significant role in shaping the perspectives of users, especially the youth.
Take COVID-19, for example. In 2020 there were many videos spreading information that unregulated supplements could reduce the risk of COVID-19. To impressionable watchers without critical reasoning skills, this may seem like the perfect solution to all their pandemic worries. This could pose a serious risk to their health but a TikTok influencer did it so it’s alright!
However, negatives aside, TikTok has
In a time of economic struggle and growing concerns over the impact of fast fashion, we should all consider giving secondhand clothing a chance.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a chocolate chip cookie from the dining hall �� it’s been too long
The only drinks they have at the steak and shake are sodas. not even water?
I have only found the little PeeDee in the TEC once. Am I blind or are they just that good at hiding him??
Memo to Layout Dept.: DO NOT cut off the caption on the Bliss cartoon. LOOK at what you’re doing, for Pete’s sake.o
I wish construction on the roads downtown would go a little bit faster, every time walking back to my apartment from class I feel like a different road is closed.
They need to salt the parking deck because of the weather. I was slipping and sliding my way up the fourth floor.
The parking situation Downtown is so stupid. I wish they’d keep the parking available throughout the semester, especially with construction still happening!
Some of the janitors in the dorm halls are super lazy; they barely stock the paper towels, don’t keep soap dispensers filled, and the showers smell like skunk piss.
The Dhall workers can be so rude at times, asking us “ you up here again?” Like yeah meathead I paid for it. now scoop my steak on my plate.
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world and that’s unfortunately not ending anytime soon. Since the pandemic, the rise of online shopping and the economic downturn have created the perfect conditions for fast fashion to thrive.
While fast fashion may seem like a bargain with its low prices and a constant stream of products, it’s neither environmentally nor financially sustainable. The flimsy and low quality of the garments leads to them being discarded more quickly, piling up in landfills and resulting in consumers buying more. There is actually an overwhelming amount of clothing in the world, far more than we could ever wear or need.
The style or design you’re looking for is probably already out there, so what’s a better way to combat overproduction and fast fashion than by buying secondhand.
Purchasing pre-owned clothing not only extends the life cycle of garments but also supports a more sustainable approach to fashion. When these pieces don’t go directly to the landfills, they find new life with other people who can appreciate and cherish them. It’s even better when secondhand clothing transforms into something unique and personal. Whether it’s drawing, painting, adding patches, or just repurposing items, these processes allow individuals to add their own creativity and personality to the garments, creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
been influential in society and has promoted many positive changes as well. Unlike other social media platforms, Tiktok acts as a tool for people to display their content in a quick and effective manner. It has boosted our economy and the success of businesses across the world, contributing to the American GDP and completely changing the way we see consumer commerce.
Because TikTok has been so positively influential economy-wise, banning it would not be very wise. What would happen to the billions of individuals who left their jobs to become content creators? What would happen to the businesses that rely heavily on TikTok marketing? TikTok is the pinnacle of the digital age and banning it would be like sending a message out to the world that America does not side with creative expression.
Buying secondhand also gives you the opportunity to build a unique personal style. Instead of blending in with the crowd, you can express your own individuality and build your own wardrobe that reflects
whoever you are or maybe even who you want to be.
Arts & Entertainment
Greeting Card Creations Pitt Community College
Pitt Tech Rd., Winterville, NC 28590 252-493-7317
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
January Book Club
Farmville Public Library 4276 W Church St, Farmville, NC 27828 252-753-3355
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Cumbia Class
Greenville Latin Dance 425 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858 208-301-8592
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Live Music Thursdays
5th Street Hardware Restaurant and Taproom 120 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858 252-364-8921
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
TOMORROW
Guest Artist: Patrick Lui, Guitar
ECU A. J. Fletcher Music Center
102 A. J. Fletcher Music Center, Greenville, NC 27858 252-328-6851
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
New Exhibition: Greg Barnes & Richard Oversmith City Art Gallery 511 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858 252-353-7000
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sip Savor Create: Salt Water Etching Emerge Gallery and Art Center
404 S. Evans St., Greenville, NC 27858 252-551-6947
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Bonnie Pirate Duo at Aji Sweet Aji 801 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27834 252-227-4512
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Strange Bird takes flight in Greenville
Mark Roman TEC STAFF
Strange Bird opened its doors on Nov. 15. of last year, giving Greenville residents a new spot where they can get freakishly large chicken sandwiches. Strange Bird is located on 718 Dickinson Ave. and was formerly known as Smashed Waffles but, after a change in ownership took place, Strange Bird hatched open.
Christy John, the owner of Strange Bird says it was time for a new start and it was decided that, “it’s, you know, a good time to rebrand Smashed Waffles into Strange Bird,” she said.
Strange Bird’s menu consists of many of the items that could have been found at Smashed Waffles although now it’s shifting its focus on creating the most unique chicken sandwiches you can find.
Some of these sandwiches are the “Thicc Chicc” Strange Birds classic chicken sandwich the “Breakfast Club” a spin on a breakfast chicken sandwich and the “C.P.R.” which they describe as “a strange acronym for chicken, pimento cheese and ranch” their prices range from $7.00-$10.00.
Along with the chicken sandwiches, they can also make any of the chicken sandwiches into salads at the request of the customer, they also offer a coffee bar with prices ranging from $3.23 to $3.30
Other prices they offer are their waffles which range from $3.30 to $7.00, their sides from $2.00 to $7.00 and their soft serve ice cream at $3.00 each.
David Bailey, the Shift Lead at Strange Bird, says the new menu is “The new chicken, the old waffles, and kind of everything in between.”
Strange Birds general manager Evan Cota says that with their main demographic being students, keeping the prices as low as they can in times when the price of everything has gone up is important.
”We try to keep it as low as we can, you know, you come in and get you a sandwich for eight bucks, nine bucks.” He says. Cota says that Strange Bird also offers a “large catering program.”
Cota says he wants Strange Bird can be a place where “People come in, get a drink, do your homework, or you can just get some food. Or even meet up with your friends in the morning for a coffee.”
Providing a place where good, cheap food is
served and where everyone can have a good time. Strange Bird has been open for two months, offering everything from coffee and waffles to oversized chicken sandwiches. You can check them out by visiting their website online or on their Instagram page.
Intramural sports begin again at ECU
This year, ECU offers 14 intercollegiate sports options. The 14 range from womens basketball to lacrosse. Though, there is another section of sports that should not be overlooked.
These sports, range from table tennis to volleyball and are open for anyone to come and try out. Intramural sports, as a whole, encompass a wide arrangement of options for the student body to sign up for and get interested in.
“I think they are a great way to build social community and become active,” said Justin Waters, Associate Director of Leadership and Programs for ECU and Club Sports.
Waters along with Chris Riddle, the Associate Director of Sports Programs, want to see students in and enjoying Intramurals. As both ECU alumni and players of the schools flag football team, they see the benefits and excitement that come with joining these programs while in college. They also see the way these sports can bring people together and create friendships that may last a lifetime. “We want people to go play but we
also want feedback on what the student population would like to have as an intramural sport,” Waters said. According to Waters, feedback on what students like and don’t like is crucial to deciding what the Health and Wellness department will choose as its next choice for the sports it offers to students. Sports that have the intramural designation are sports that are played on campus and against other students at ECU. The sports are held in competition and if a student shows a knack for a sport it can lead to other opportunities to play in bigger tournaments and competitions. The sports schedule for intramurals have a lot to choose from. These choices range from open tournaments in table tennis on Jan. 23 to soccer in Feb. There are also currently opportunities for new additions in pickleball, which started Jan. 13. Waters and Riddle have been at ECU as staff members for several years. “It’s a great place to hang out and get competition while also meeting new people,” Riddle said. For more information visit the ECU Health and Wellness website or contact Riddle and Waters at their emails.
MARK
MARK ROMAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Evan Cota is the general manager at Strange Bird.
Justin Waters
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Discuss shared finances. Adapt to changing circumstances. Concentrate closely and determine the best response. Trust a crazy hunch. Take care of each other.
HOROSCOPES
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Listen and learn. Make sure you’re both on the same page. Update and revise the plan together. Negotiate and refine. Make decisions by consensus.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Good fortune follows good planning. Research moves before making them. Get expert coaching. Focus on performance details. Take advantage of new conditions. Refine technique.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Enjoy hanging out with people you love. You’ve been taking care of business. Prioritize time to relax. Dreamy situations and solutions arise in conversation.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Make domestic upgrades. Clear clutter, clean and organize. Add a new element or idea. Beautify your place. Share something delicious with friends and family.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Find extra options. Research offers new possibilities. Dig and investigate. Connect the dots and put your story together. Build a case. Share discoveries.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Stay in action to generate positive cash flow. A push now could get especially lucrative. Money saved is money earned. Celebrate with something delicious.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Take charge for the results you want. You know what to do. Opportunities abound. Investigate options. Good fortune follows thorough planning. Lay solid groundwork.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 6 — Avoid travel or overstimulating environments. Find a peaceful spot for introspection. Review plans, dreams and visions. An unexpected opportunity deserves consideration. Listen to intuition.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Valuable resources, information and connections flow through your social networks. Get in conversation and find out what you can contribute. Share collaborative support.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Take advantage when a professional door opens. Make your best move to fulfill a fantasy. Get expert support to pursue a dream.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Preparation saves time and money. Find hidden treasure as you plot your itinerary. Make a water connection. Good news travels far. Savor dreamy exploration.
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Garett Skillman TEC Staff
ECU VS. USF
Score Prediction?
USF 74-70
Why?
While I do believe the Pirates will put up a good and physical fight, I think South Florida ultimately pulls away late in the fourth quarter. South Florida has had a steady offense all season long with 5 of their highest scorers all averaging within 4 points of each other. The Bulls have played team basketball this year, whereas the Pirates have relied too heavily on players like RJ Felton and C.J. Walker to carry the offensive load most nights.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. USF
ECU 75-69
Why?
Coming into this game
ECU still has a lot to worry about, and at this time of the year, this is a must win game if the Pirates want to turn the season around and have a chance to finish high in the American Athletic Conference and make a push for March madness. I need to see C.J. Walker keep showing his dominance and help lead us to victory.
Nick Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU VS. USF
Score Prediction?
ECU 72-65
Why?
At about the halfway point in the season I hate using the term “must-win game”, but this almost feels like one. With a conference record of 2-4 (Tulsa game pending), we need to try to turn this season around if we want to make a serious run in the American. With the Pirates losing to USF once already, we cannot afford a second loss, so that’s why I’m rolling with the Pirates.
Thursday, 1.23.25
Women’s basketball falls to Rice
After winning their last two in a row, East Carolina loses on the road to Rice University (10-8, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) by a score of 65-56. The Lady Pirates dropped to 10-8 (2-4 AAC) and are now in ninth place in the AAC. The Pirates are now four and a half games back from first place trailing University of Texas San Antonio (16-2, 7-0 AAC).
The game opened with a layup from senior forward Anzhane Hutton who ended up being the leading scorer for the Pirates on the night with 16. ECU was also able to get key scoring contributions from senior forward Tatyana Wyche in the first. The first quarter closed with the Pirates trailing the Owls by a score of 10-16.
East Carolina also opened up scoring in the second quarter with a two point jumper from sophomore guard Khia Miller. As the trend from the first continued the Pirates continued to go back and forth with Owls with minimal scoring from each side. The first half concluded with a score of 25-20, the Pirates still trailing.
The third quarter began, with three straight baskets and a 6-0
run from the Pirates. Khia Miller, freshman guard Devin Hagemann, and sophomore guard Jayla Hearp were all able to add two point jump shots to give ECU their first lead since the opening basket of the game. The Owls were then able to reclaim their lead after three made free throws. Hearp was then able to give the Pirates their third lead of the ball game following a three point shot with 4:52 left to play in the quarter.
The Pirates would not lead again following the Hearp three in the third quarter. They would go on to lose the game 65-56 dropping to a record of 10-8. This game was decided at the three point line where the Pirates went 1-16 on the night compared to the Owls 6-18. Rice was simply able to get more value out of their possessions by converting from beyond the arch more consistently.
The Pirates will be back in action Wednesday Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. The game will take place at Minges Coliseum and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
The East Carolina University Basketball Team (10-9, 2-4 American Athletic Conference) was able to down the Wichita State University Shockers (11-7, 1-4 AAC) 75-72 thanks to a game-winning three pointer at the buzzer by senior guard RJ Felton. Felton finished the night with 11 points but the real star was graduate forward C.J. Walker. He was a spark plug off the bench, finishing with a career high 28 points and shooting
perfect from three. The Pirates traveled to Wichita, Kansas on Saturday, January 18 to take on Wichita St. in a conference matchup. Wichita St. started the game off hot, jumping out to an 11-3 lead five minutes into the game. A three by Felton would stop the run and cut the Shockers lead to five. ECU clawed back and were able to knot the game at 16 with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. The half remained a back and forth battle with four ties and five lead changes but the Pirates held the advantage 36-33 heading to the locker rooms.
C.J. Walker would score ECU’s first seven points of the half, fueling the Pirates to go on a 12-3 run to extend their lead 48-36. The game was far from over, as Wichita St. would fight their way back and tie the game at 60 with 7:29 remaining. Neither team would score for the next two minutes until a layup by junior forward Corey Washington would put the Shockers up by two. RJ Felton responded with a three to put ECU back on top 63-62. The teams traded a few baskets until the game was tied at 70 follow-
ing a layup by Wichita St. with 40 seconds remaining.
ECU, looking to capitalize by going two baskets for one, gave the ball to Walker and let him go to work. He drove to the basket and was able to sink a layup to put the Pirates up by two with 30 seconds left. Wichita St. was able to respond following a missed free throw by Felton with a dunk by senior center Quincy Ballard to tie the game at 72. ECU had four seconds to get the ball up the floor and get a shot off. The Pirates inbounded to RJ Felton in the backcourt and he sprinted across the half court line and put up a three pointer to win the game. It went in and the Pirates secured a big conference win 75-72. ECU’s next contest comes on January 21 where they will travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma to take on the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane (8-10, 2-3 AAC). It will be streaming on ESPN+ and you can listen to the call on 107.9 WNCT.
Caleb Johnson THE EAST CAROLINIAN
ERZEN THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Senior guard RJ Felton heads to the line to shoots two free throws to add to the Pirates total against the Wichita State University Shockers.
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
Graduate Student Synia Johnson eyes basket in transition.